Concrete forming system

ABSTRACT

A concrete forming system for reducing the time and labor required for the framing, pouring, and curing of concrete walls. The concrete forming system generally includes concrete forms including a first wall, a second wall opposing the first wall, and a pair of sidewalls. A cavity is formed between the walls; with an opening being fluidly connected to the cavity. A first vehicle is connected to the first wall and a second vehicle is connected to the second wall. Using the vehicles, the positioning and orientation of the walls may be adjusted. After the walls have been placed and oriented, the vehicles will hold the walls in place as concrete is poured into the cavity through the opening. The concrete is allowed to cure into a structure; after which the vehicles and walls may be moved to another location to repeat the process.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/876,531 filed on May 18, 2020 which issues as U.S. Pat. No.10,941,580 on Mar. 9, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. applicationSer. No. 15/997,597 filed on Jun. 4, 2018 now issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,655,347, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/722,417 filed on Oct. 2, 2017 now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,988,823.Each of the aforementioned patent applications, and any applicationsrelated thereto, is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND Field

Example embodiments in general relate to a concrete forming system forreducing the time and labor required for the framing, pouring, andcuring of concrete walls.

Related Art

Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should inno way be considered as an admission that such related art is widelyknown or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Walls have been in use since biblical times. Walls in the past have beenconstructed of blocks, wood, metals, or concrete. When constructingconcrete walls, a liquid concrete is generally injected into a form andallowed to cure into a solid concrete wall. The forms may be constructedon-site which requires a significant amount of time and labor for eachwall built.

Previous concrete forming systems rely on the setting of numerousfree-standing panels to construct a form. The panels must be set andaligned manually and then cross-tied together to remain in place. Onlarger projects, this can require a significant amount of panels whicheach must be manually moved and reset in different positions, which isextremely labor and time intensive.

Failure to properly align the panels can significantly impact theconstructed wall—sometimes even requiring that such a defective wall betorn down and the process started again. Failure to properly cross-tiethe panels together can similarly result in structural deficiencies inthe resulting wall. For example, if two free-standing panels are notcross-tied properly, one of the panels may fall down during the pouringprocess which will require a significant clean-up on the part of theconstruction crew building the concrete wall.

Current forming systems are available in large panels but requireextensive site labor with manpower and lifting equipment. These systemsrequire several days to set, cross tie, and brace prior to pouring.Along with another period of time to disassemble and reset to make thenext pour sequence, repeating the process. After completing each pourlaborers then need to return to the finished wall and remove the crossties, and or plug holes left behind from the cross ties.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment is directed to a concrete forming system. Theconcrete forming system includes concrete forms including a first wall,a second wall opposing the first wall, a first side wall, and a secondsidewall. A cavity is formed between the walls; with an opening beingfluidly connected to the cavity. An arm coupler on the arm of a firstvehicle is connected to a corresponding coupler on the first wall. Anarm coupler on the arm of a second vehicle is connected to correspondingcoupler on the second wall. Using the vehicles, the positioning andorientation of the walls may be adjusted. After the walls have beenplaced and oriented, the vehicles will hold the walls in place asconcrete is poured into the cavity through the opening. The concrete isallowed to cure into a structure; after which the vehicles and walls maybe moved to another location to repeat the process.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the embodiments ofthe concrete forming system in order that the detailed descriptionthereof may be better understood, and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additionalembodiments of the concrete forming system that will be describedhereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appendedhereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment ofthe concrete forming system in detail, it is to be understood that theconcrete forming system is not limited in its application to the detailsof construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth inthe following description or illustrated in the drawings. The concreteforming system is capable of other embodiments and of being practicedand carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of thedescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detaileddescription given herein below and the accompanying drawings, whereinlike elements are represented by like reference characters, which aregiven by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of theexample embodiments herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a concrete forming system in accordancewith an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a frontal upper perspective view of a concrete forming systemin accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a rear upper perspective view of a concrete forming system inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a concrete forming system inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a frontal exploded view of a concrete forming system inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a rear exploded view of a concrete forming system inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a frontal view of a concrete forming system in use inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an upper perspective view of a concrete forming system in usein accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a concrete forming system in use in accordancewith an example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a concrete forming system in usein accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an upper perspective view of a vehicle supporting a firstwall in accordance with an example embodiment of a concrete formingsystem.

FIG. 12 is an upper perspective view of a vehicle supporting a firstwall with supports extended in accordance with an example embodiment ofa concrete forming system.

FIG. 13 is an upper perspective view of a vehicle supporting a secondwall in accordance with an example embodiment of a concrete formingsystem.

FIG. 14 is a side view of an arm supporting a first panel in accordancewith an example embodiment of a concrete forming system.

FIG. 15 is a frontal perspective view of a second panel being supportedby a vehicle in accordance with an example embodiment of a concreteforming system.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view illustrating interconnection of two adjacentfirst panels in accordance with an example embodiment of a concreteforming system.

FIG. 17 is an upper perspective view of a pair of interconnected firstpanels being supported by a pair of vehicles in accordance with anexample embodiment of a concrete forming system.

FIG. 18 is a frontal view of four walls being supported by vehicles inaccordance with an example embodiment of a concrete forming system.

FIG. 19 is a top view of four vehicles supporting four sets of walls inaccordance with an example embodiment of a concrete forming system.

FIG. 20 is an upper perspective view of a second wall being supported bya vehicle in accordance with an example embodiment of a concrete formingsystem.

FIG. 21 is an upper perspective view of a first wall being supported bya vehicle in accordance with an example embodiment of a concrete formingsystem.

FIG. 22 is a top view illustrating rotation of a wall in a firstdirection in accordance with an example embodiment of a concrete formingsystem.

FIG. 23 is a top view illustrating rotation of a wall in a seconddirection in accordance with an example embodiment of a concrete formingsystem.

FIG. 24 is a side view of a first wall being rotated in a firstdirection in accordance with an example embodiment of a concrete formingsystem.

FIG. 25 is a side view of a first wall being rotated in a seconddirection in accordance with an example embodiment of a concrete formingsystem.

FIG. 26 is an upper perspective view of four sets of walls beingsupported by vehicles as concrete is poured in accordance with anexample embodiment of a concrete forming system.

FIG. 27 is an upper perspective view of two vehicles supporting a set ofwalls which are separated by a gap from an existing end structure inaccordance with an example embodiment of a concrete forming system.

FIG. 28 is an upper perspective view of two end structures with a gap inbetween them in accordance with an example embodiment of a concreteforming system.

FIG. 29 is an upper perspective view of two sets of walls being used tocomplete the structure between the end structures in accordance with anexample embodiment of a concrete forming system.

FIG. 30 is an upper perspective view of two sets of walls being used tocure concrete to complete the structure between the end structures inaccordance with an example embodiment of a concrete forming system.

FIG. 31 is an upper perspective view of the completed structure inaccordance with an example embodiment of a concrete forming system.

FIG. 32 is a first top view illustrating four crews being utilized tobuild a structure in a staggered fashion in accordance with an exampleembodiment of a concrete forming system.

FIG. 33 is a second top view illustrating four crews being utilized tobuild a structure in a staggered fashion in accordance with an exampleembodiment of a concrete forming system.

FIG. 34 is a third top view illustrating four crews being utilized tobuild a structure in a staggered fashion in accordance with an exampleembodiment of a concrete forming system.

FIG. 35 is a fourth top view illustrating four crews being utilized tobuild a structure in a staggered fashion in accordance with an exampleembodiment of a concrete forming system.

FIG. 36 is a fifth top view illustrating four crews being utilized tobuild a structure in a staggered fashion in accordance with an exampleembodiment of a concrete forming system.

FIG. 37 is a sixth top view illustrating four crews being utilized tobuild a structure in a staggered fashion in accordance with an exampleembodiment of a concrete forming system.

FIG. 38 is a seventh top view illustrating four crews being utilized tobuild a structure in a staggered fashion in accordance with an exampleembodiment of a concrete forming system.

FIG. 39 is a frontal view of a wall being supported by a vehicle inaccordance with an example embodiment of a concrete forming system.

FIG. 40 is a frontal perspective view of a wall being supported by avehicle in accordance with an example embodiment of a concrete formingsystem.

FIG. 41 is a frontal perspective view of an arm coupler and actuators inaccordance with an example embodiment of a concrete forming system.

FIG. 42 is a side perspective view of an arm coupler and actuators inaccordance with an example embodiment of a concrete forming system.

FIG. 43A is a frontal view of a wall being rotated in a first directionin accordance with an example embodiment of a concrete forming system.

FIG. 43B is a frontal view of a wall being rotated in a second directionin accordance with an example embodiment of a concrete forming system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A. Overview

An example concrete forming system 10 generally comprises a first wall30 having a first end 31, a second end 32, an upper end 33, and a lowerend 34. As shown in FIGS. 1-6 , the system 10 may also include a secondwall 40 having a first end 41, a second end 42, an upper end 43, and alower end 44; a first sidewall 50 connected between the first ends 31,41 of the first wall 30 and the second wall 40; and a second sidewall 55connected between the second ends 32, 42 of the first wall 30 and thesecond wall 40. A cavity 62 is defined between the first wall 30, thesecond wall 40, the first sidewall 50, and the second sidewall 55. Thecavity 62 is adapted to receive a volume of concrete 12 and retain theconcrete 12 during the curing process. An opening 60 formed within theupper ends 31, 41 of the first wall 30, second wall 40, first sidewall50, and second sidewall 55 is fluidly connected with the cavity 62; withthe opening 60 being adapted to receive the concrete 12. Also includedis a first vehicle 20 adapted to traverse a ground surface 17. The firstvehicle 20 may include a first arm 21 extending from the first vehicle20, a first arm coupler 22 connected to a distal portion of the firstarm 21, and a plurality of first wheels or tracks 27 connected to afirst motor. A first coupler 37 may be connected to the first wall 30;with the first coupler 37 being connected to the first arm coupler 22;with the first arm 21 retaining the first wall 30 in a desired positionwith respect to the second wall 40.

Any of the wall 30, 40 may be rotated about up to three axes (pitch,roll, and yaw) by a corresponding arm 21 of a vehicle 20 in someembodiments. In an exemplary embodiment such as shown in FIG. 11 , apitch actuator 25 may be connected between the first arm 21 and thefirst arm coupler 22; with the pitch actuator 25 being adapted to adjusta pitch of the first arm coupler 22 and the first wall 30 with respectto the first arm 21. A yaw actuator 24 may be connected betweenconnected between the first arm 21 and the first arm coupler 22; withthe yaw actuator 24 being adapted to adjust a yaw of the first armcoupler 22 and the first wall 30 with respect to the first arm 21. Thepitch actuator 25 may be connected near an upper end of the first armcoupler 22 and the yaw actuator 24 may be connected near a side of thefirst arm coupler 22. A first support 28 may be movably connected to thefirst vehicle 20 and removably connected to the first wall 30.

In some embodiments, a second vehicle 20 adapted to traverse the groundsurface 17 may include a second arm 21 extending from the second vehicle20, a second arm coupler 22 connected to a distal portion of the secondarm 21, and a plurality of second wheels or tracks 27 connected to asecond motor. In such embodiments, a second coupler 47 may be connectedto the second wall 40. The second coupler 47 is also connected to thesecond arm coupler 22 of the second vehicle 20; with the second arm 21retaining the second wall 40 in a desired position with respect to thefirst wall 30.

In embodiments utilizing a second vehicle 20, a first pitch actuator 25may be connected between the first arm 21 and the first arm coupler 22and a second pitch actuator 25 may be connected between the second arm21 and the second arm coupler 22; with the first pitch actuator 25 beingadapted to adjust a pitch of the first arm coupler 22 and the first wall20 with respect to the first arm 21 and the second pitch actuator 25being adapted to adjust a pitch of the second arm coupler 22 and thesecond wall 40 with respect to the second arm 21.

Such embodiments may also include a first yaw actuator 24 connectedbetween the first arm 21 and the first arm coupler 22 and a second yawactuator 24 connected between the second arm 21 and the second armcoupler 22; with the first yaw actuator 24 being adapted to adjust a yawof the first arm coupler 22 and the first wall 30 with respect to thefirst arm 21 and the second yaw actuator 24 being adapted to adjust apitch of the second arm coupler 22 and the second wall 40 with respectto the second arm 21. Such embodiments may also include a first support28 movably connected to the first vehicle 20 and a second support 28movably connected to the second vehicle 20; with the first support 28removably connected to the first wall 30 and the second support 28removably connected to the second wall 40.

In another exemplary embodiment of the concrete form system 10, a firstset of walls comprising a first wall 30 having a first end 31, a secondend 32, an upper end 33, and a lower end 34 and a second wall 40 havinga first end 41, a second end 42, an upper end 43, and a lower end 44 maybe provided; with the first wall 30 of the first set of walls beingpositioned in an opposed spaced-apart relationship with respect to thesecond wall 40 of the first set of walls. In such an embodiment, thefirst vehicle 20 may control the first wall 30 of the first set of wallsand a second vehicle 20 may control the second wall 40 of the first setof walls. The first set of walls may include a first sidewall 50connected between the first ends 31, 41 of the first wall 30 and thesecond wall 40 of the first set of walls. Similarly, a second sidewall55 may be connected between the second ends 32, 42 of the first andsecond walls 30, 40 of the first set of walls.

In such an embodiment, a second set of walls comprising a first wall 30having a first end 31, a second end 32, an upper end 33, and a lower end34 and a second wall 40 having a first end 41, a second end 42, an upperend 43, and a lower end 44 may be provided; with the first wall 30 ofthe first set of walls being positioned in an opposed spaced-apartrelationship with respect to the second wall 40 of the first set ofwalls. In such an embodiment, a third vehicle 20 may control the firstwall 30 of the second set of walls and a fourth vehicle 20 may controlthe second wall 40 of the second set of walls. The first wall 30 of thefirst set of walls may be removably connected to the first wall 30 ofthe second set of walls and the second wall 40 of the first set of wallsmay be removably connected to the second wall 40 of the second set ofwalls. In such an embodiment, the cavity 62 may extend between the firstwall 30 of the second set of walls and the second wall 40 of the secondset of walls. The first wall 30 of the first set of walls may in someembodiments not be connected to the second wall 40 of the first set ofwalls, as no cross-tying is necessary due to the use of vehicles 20.

Also disclosed is a method of forming a structure 16 which comprises thesteps of moving a first wall 30 with a first vehicle 20 from a previouslocation on a ground surface 17 to a first location on the groundsurface 17, wherein the first location is distally spaced with respectto the previous location; positioning the first wall 30 with the firstvehicle 20 such that a lower end 34 of the first wall 30 is retained inthe first location on the ground surface 17; moving a second wall 40with a second vehicle 20 from the previous location on a ground surface17 to a second location on the ground surface 17, wherein the secondlocation is distally spaced with respect to the previous location andthe first location; positioning the second wall 40 with the secondvehicle 20 such that a lower end 44 of the second wall 40 is retained inthe second location on the ground surface, wherein the first wall 30 isparallel and distally spaced with respect to the second wall 40 so as todefine a cavity 62 between the first wall 30 and the second wall 40;filling the cavity 62 between the first wall 30 and the second wall 40with a volume of concrete 12; and forming the structure 16 between thefirst wall 30 and the second wall 40 by allowing the concrete 12 to curewithin the cavity 62 between the first wall 30 and the second wall 40.

B. Vehicles

As shown throughout the figures, vehicles 20 are generally utilized tosupport, move, adjust, and retain the walls 30, 40 of the concreteforming system 10. While the figures illustrate the vehicles 20 ascomprising excavators, it should be appreciated that a wide range ofvehicles 20 may be utilized, such as trucks, cars, loaders, and thelike.

As best shown in FIG. 8 , each vehicle 20 may include an arm 21 which ismovably connected to the vehicle 20. The arm 21 is generally controlledfrom within the cab of the vehicle 20, though external or remotecontrols may be utilized in some embodiments. The arm 21 includes an armcoupler 22 at its distal end which is utilized to interconnect the arm21 with a wall 30, 40. The arm coupler 22 is generally hingedlyconnected to the arm 21 via a hinge 23 as shown in FIG. 11 .

As best shown in FIGS. 8 , each vehicle 20 may traverse the groundsurface 17 using a plurality of tracks 27. Although not shown, it shouldbe appreciated that the vehicle 20 may instead use wheels or any otherdevice known to permit a vehicle 20 to traverse a ground surface 17. Insome embodiments, the vehicles 20 may be on rails or the like which runalongside the structure 16 being built.

As best shown in FIGS. 11-12 , each vehicle 20 may include supports 28,29 which are movably connected to the vehicle 20. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 15 , a vehicle 20 is illustrated with a first support 28extending from a first side of the vehicle 20 and a second support 29extending from a second side of the vehicle 20. The supports 28, 29 maybe utilized to provide additional stability to the walls 30, 40 whenthey are being supported by the vehicles 20.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-12 , the supports 28, 29 areremovably connected to the outer surface 35 of a first wall 30. Thesupports 28, 29 are adjustable between a first position in which thesupports 28, 29 are not connected to a wall 30, 40 and a second positionin which the supports 28, 29 are connected to a wall 30, 40.

The supports 28, 29 may be lowered to come into contact with the wall30, 40 or raised to release the wall 30, 40. It should be appreciatedthat the supports 28, 29 may be connected to the wall 30, 40 byfrictional engagement or may utilize other locking mechanisms such asbrackets, clasps, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 20 , the first support 28 extends from a first side ofthe vehicle 20 and the second support 29 extends from a second side ofthe vehicle 20. The first support 28 may be parallel with respect to thesecond support 29. The first and second supports 28, 29 may beindividually controllable such that the first support 28 may be raisedwhile the second support 29 is lowered, and vice versa.

Generally, the first support 28 will extend from the vehicle 20 tofrictionally engage with the lower end 34, 44 of the outer surface 35,45 of a wall 30, 40 near its first end 31, 41 of the wall 30, 40. Thesecond support 29 may extend from the vehicle 20 to frictionally engagewith the lower end 34, 44 of the outer surface 35, of the wall 30, 40near its second end 32, 42. As shown in FIG. 20 , the supports 28, 29may connect to (such as by frictional engagement) ribs 69 which extendalong the outer surface 35, 45 of the wall 30, 40.

The use of vehicles 20 to support the walls 30, 40 allows the omissionof cross ties or any interconnection between the first wall 30 and thesecond wall 40 of a form. The vehicles 20 support allows the walls 30,40 to withstand the pour pressures of the concrete 12 without cross tiesor sidewalls 50, 55 connected between the walls 30, 40. The weight ofthe vehicle 20 also eliminates the requirement of ground braces tosupport the walls 30, 40 at the mid or upper points on the walls 30, 40while pouring.

C. Concrete Forms

As shown throughout the figures, the concrete forming system 10 mayinclude a first wall 30 and a second wall 40 in a spaced-apart, opposedrelationship with respect to the first wall 30. Such a configurationcreates a concrete form having a cavity 62 in which concrete 12 may bepoured and allowed to cure to form a structure 16.

FIGS. 1-10 illustrate a first exemplary embodiment which includes afirst wall 30, a second wall 40, a first sidewall 50, and a secondsidewall 55. As shown in FIG. 1 , the first wall 30 may include a firstend 31, a second end 32, an upper end 33, a lower end 34, an outersurface 35, and an inner surface 36. The lower end 34 of the first wall30 is positioned on the ground surface 17 and kept in place by thevehicle 20. The first wall 30 includes an outer surface 35 which facestoward the vehicle 20 and an inner surface 36 which faces away from thevehicle 20 and toward the second wall 40 when the second wall 40 is inplace, such as shown in FIG. 9 .

As shown in FIGS. 5-6 , the second wall 40 similarly includes a firstend 41, a second end 42, an upper end 43, a lower end 44, a firstsidewall 50, and a second sidewall 55. The lower end 44 of the secondwall 40 is positioned on the ground surface 17 and kept in place by avehicle 20. The second wall 40 is generally positioned in opposing,spaced-apart relationship with respect to the first wall 30 such asshown in FIG. 26 . The second wall 40 may include an outer surface 45which faces toward the vehicle 20 and an inner surface 46 which facesaway from the vehicle 20.

FIGS. 1-8 illustrate an embodiment which includes a pair of sidewalls50, 55. As best shown in FIG. 5 , a first sidewall 50 may be connectedbetween the first end 31 of the first wall 30 and the first end 41 ofthe second wall 40. A second sidewall 55 may be connected between thesecond end 32 of the first wall 30 and the second end 42 of the secondwall 40. In such a manner, a cavity 62 is defined between the first wall30, the second wall 40, the first side wall 50, and the second sidewall55.

The first and second walls 30, 40 may comprise different orientations toproduce different types of structures 16. For example, both the firstand second walls 30, 40 may be in an upright, vertical orientation tocreate a uniform-width wall. In other embodiments, the first wall 30 maybe diagonally oriented and the second wall 40 may be verticallyoriented, so as to produce a slanted face on the resulting structure 16.Both walls 30, 40 could be diagonally oriented toward each other toproduce a triangular-shaped wall. Any other orientation or configurationmay be utilized.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the first sidewall 50 may comprise an upper end 51and a lower end 52. The first sidewall 50 may be removably connectedbetween the first and second walls 30, 40. The second sidewall 55 maycomprise an upper end 56 and a lower end 57. The second sidewall 55 maybe removably connected between the first and second walls 30, 40. Inother embodiments, the sidewalls 50, 55 could be fixedly attached orintegrally formed with the first and second walls 30, 40.

The inner surfaces 36, 46 of the walls 30, 40 are preferably comprisedof a material to which concrete 12 will not adhere as it cures andsolidifies. In other words, the inner surfaces 36, 46 of the walls 30,40 are preferably comprised of a material which allows the walls 30, 40to be pulled or otherwise moved away from the solidified concrete 12after curing without breaking off pieces of the solidified concrete 12(such as if the concrete 12 were to stick to the inner surfaces 36, 46of the walls 30, 40).

The outer surfaces 36, 46 of the walls 30, 40 each include a coupler 37,47 which is adapted to removably engage with a corresponding arm coupler22 such as shown in FIGS. 8-10 . The first wall 30 may include a firstcoupler 37 on its outer surface 36 and the second wall 40 may include asecond coupler 47 on its outer surfaces 46. As shown in FIG. 12 , thecouplers 37, 47 may comprise structures such as rods, clips, brackets,or the like to which the corresponding arm couplers 22 may be connected.The arm couplers 22 may be removably connected to the couplers 37, 47.

In some embodiments, the couplers 37, 47 may comprise quick-connect andquick-disconnect couplers 37, 47. In such embodiments, manipulation ofthe arm 21 of the vehicle 20 may be utilized to easily connect the armcoupler 22 to a corresponding coupler 37, 47 or disconnect the armcoupler 22 from a corresponding coupler 37, 47.

When the arm 21 of the vehicle 20 is coupled to a wall 30, 40 via thearm coupler 22 and coupler 37, 47, the arm 21 may be manipulated to moveor otherwise adjust the wall 30, 40 to which the arm 21 is connected. Insuch a manner, the wall 30, 40 may be positioned at a desired locationon a ground surface 17 in a desired orientation to be used to form thestructure 16 via curing of liquid concrete 12.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate a pair of vehicles 20 a, 20 b which are beingutilized to support a concrete form comprised of a first wall 30, asecond wall 40, a first sidewall 50, and a second sidewall 55. The firstvehicle 20 a is connected to the first wall 30; with the arm 21 of thefirst vehicle 20 a being connected to the first coupler 37 of the firstwall 40. The second vehicle 20 b is connected to the second wall 40;with the arm 21 of the second vehicle 20 b being connected to the secondcoupler 47 of the second wall 40. In this manner, both walls 30, 40 aresupported in position while concrete 12 is poured into the cavity 62 andretained in such a position as the liquid concrete 12 cures into asolidified concrete 12 to form the structure 16.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 , scaffolding 64 surrounds the upperends 33, 43, 51, 56 of the walls 30, 40, 50, 55. This scaffolding 64will allow an individual to safely service the walls 30, 40, 50, 55 asneeded. The upper ends 33, 43, 51, 56 of the walls 30, 40, 50, 55 mayinclude wall anchors 68 such as clips or the like which may be connectedto a boom if necessary for moving the walls 30, 40, 50, 55.Alternatively, safety harnesses on workers may be connected to thesewall anchors 68 to prevent injury.

FIGS. 11-26 illustrate an embodiment of the concrete forming system 10which may retain the walls 30, 40 in position without the use ofsidewalls 50, 55 or any type of cross-tie. In other words, the walls 30,40 are retained in opposing, spaced-apart relationship without beingconnected to each other; the first wall 30 is not connected to thesecond wall 40. This is possible due to the use of the vehicles 20 whichretain the walls 30, 40 in position without the necessity of the walls30, 40 being interconnected to each other.

As shown in FIGS. 22-25 , such an embodiment may allow for moremaneuverability in adjusting the orientation of the walls 30, 40. Asshown in FIG. 20 , the arm coupler 22 in such an embodiment may comprisea plate-like member which is connected between the arm 21 and the wall30, 40. The arm coupler 22 may be removably or fixedly attached to thewall 30, 40, such as via the couplers 37, 47 on the wall 30, 40.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to adjust the attitude,position, and/or orientation of the walls 30, 40. Such adjustments maybe utilized to accommodate for terrain variances that may be encounteredwhen constructing the structure 16. Different embodiments may allowadjustment of the walls 30, 40 about different numbers of axes dependingon the needs of a particular area, terrain, or ground surface 17. Insome embodiments, the walls 30, 40 may be rotated about up to three axes(pitch, yaw, roll) with respect to the ground surface 17 or arm 21 ofthe vehicle 20 to which the particular wall 30, 40 is connected.

FIGS. 22-25 illustrate an embodiment which is rotatable about two axes:an X-axis with respect to the ground surface 17 (pitch) and a Y-axiswith respect to the ground surface 17 (yaw). Such an embodiment mayinclude actuators 24, 25 which are utilized to rotate or otherwiseadjust the attitude or orientation of the wall 30, 40 with respect tothe arm 21 to which the wall 30, 40 is interconnected. As shown in FIGS.22-23 , a pair of yaw actuators 24 may be connected between the arm 21and the arm coupler 22. The yaw actuators 24 are adapted to adjust theyaw of the arm coupler 22 with respect to the arm 21. Because the wall30, 40 is connected to the arm coupler 22, such as via a coupler 37, 47on the wall 30, 40, the wall 30, 40 will similarly be adjusted alongwith the arm coupler 22.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 22 , a first yaw actuator 24 isconnected between the hinge 23 and a first side of the arm coupler 22. Asecond yaw actuator 24 is connected between the hinge 23 and a secondside of the arm coupler 22. Extending the first yaw actuator 24 as thesecond yaw actuator 24 is retracted will adjust the yaw of the armcoupler 22 in a first direction. Retracting the first yaw actuator 24 asthe second yaw actuator 24 is extended will adjust the yaw of the armcoupler 22 (and, as a result, the wall 30, 40) in a second direction. Asshown in FIGS. 24-25 , a pair of pitch actuators 25 may also beconnected between the arm 21 and the arm coupler 22. The pitch actuators25 are adapted to adjust the pitch of the arm coupler 22 with respect tothe arm 21. Because the wall 30, 40 is connected to the arm coupler 22,the wall 30, 40 will similarly be adjusted along with the arm coupler22.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 24 , a first pitch actuator 25 isconnected between the arm 21 and an upper end of the arm coupler 22. Asecond pitch actuator 25 is connected between the arm 21 and a lower endof the arm coupler 22. Extending the first pitch actuator 25 as thesecond pitch actuator 25 is retracted will adjust the pitch of the armcoupler 22 in a first direction. Retracting the first pitch actuator 25as the second pitch actuator 25 is extended will adjust the pitch of thearm coupler 22 (and, as a result, the wall 30, 40) in a seconddirection.

By utilizing the actuators 24, 25, the walls 30, 40 may be adjusted to adesired orientation before being held in place for concrete 12 to bepoured into the cavity 62 between the walls 30, 40. When the walls 30,40 are so oriented, additional supports 28, 29 may be interconnectedbetween the vehicle 20 and the walls 30, 40 for added stability.

In some embodiments, the wall 30, 40 may be adjusted to rotate aboutthree axes. FIGS. 39-43 illustrate an embodiment which is rotatableabout three axes: an X-axis with respect to the ground surface 17(pitch); a Y-axis with respect to the ground surface 17 (yaw); and aZ-axis with respect to the ground surface 17 (roll). FIGS. 24-25illustrate a wall 30, 40 being rotated about a first axis to adjustpitch of the wall 30, 40. FIGS. 22-23 illustrate a wall 30, 40 beingrotated about a second axis to adjust yaw of the wall 30, 40. FIGS. 43Aand 43B illustrate a wall 30, 40 being rotated about a third axis toadjust roll of the wall 30, 40.

FIGS. 39-43 illustrate an alternate embodiment of an arm coupler 80adapted to adjust the attitude of the wall 30, 40 with respect to thearm 21 to which the arm coupler 80 is connected (roll, pitch, yaw). Suchan arm coupler 80 may comprise a frame 81 which is connected to thecorresponding couplers 37, 47 on the wall 30, 40.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 39 , first couplers 37 of a firstwall 30 are illustrated as comprising a plurality of elongated membersextending between the first end 31 and the second end 32 of the firstwall. The frame 81 comprises a plurality of elongated members whichextend perpendicular with respect to the first couplers 37 of the firstwall 30. The frame 81 may be fixedly or removably connected to thecoupler 37, 47 of a wall 30, 40. In some embodiments, the frame 81 maybe welded to the coupler 37, 47 of a wall 30, 40.

FIG. 40 illustrates that the arm coupler 80 includes a hub 82 which isconnected to the arm 21 of the vehicle 20 by a hinge 85. The hub 82 isillustrated as comprising a cross-configuration, including a first arm83 extending in a first direction and a second arm 84 extending in asecond direction. It should be appreciated that alternate configurationsof the hub 82 may be utilized. The hub 82 is shown as being connected tothe frame 81 which in turn is connected to the wall 30, 40 bycorresponding couplers 37, 47 on the wall 30, 40. The manner in whichthe hub 82 is connected to the frame 81 may vary in differentembodiments. The hub 82 and frame 81 could be welded together orotherwise interconnected.

As best shown in FIG. 42 , the arm coupler 80 may include a bearing 89which allows rotation of the arm coupler 80. More specifically, theembodiment of FIG. 42 includes a bearing 89 near the center of the hub82 such that the hub 82 may rotate. The bearing 89 is utilized to allowattitude adjustment (roll) using the roll actuators 86 as discussedherein.

The arm 21 is only connected to the arm coupler 80 by the actuators 86,87, 88. In this manner, the actuators 86, 87, 88 may control theattitude of the arm coupler 80 and interconnected wall 30, 40. Thebearing 89 allows the roll of the wall 30, 40 to be adjusted to accountfor variations in the ground surface 17.

As shown in FIG. 41 , multiple actuators 86, 87, 88 are utilized toeffectuate attitude adjustment by three-axis rotation of the wall 30, 40with respect to the arm 21 of the vehicle 20. Roll actuators 86 areillustrated which control rotation of the wall 30, 40 about a first axis(X-axis). Yaw actuators 87 are illustrated which control rotation of thewall 30, 40 with respect to a second axis (Y-axis). Pitch actuators 88are illustrated which control rotation of the wall 30, 40 about a thirdaxis (Z-axis).

As best shown in FIG. 42 , the roll actuators 86 are each connectedbetween the hub 82 and the frame 81. A bearing 89 in the hub 82 allowsthe frame 81, the hub 82 and by extension, the wall 30, 40 to rotateabout the bearing 89 for roll adjustment. This is particularly usefulfor terrain variances. Although the FIG. illustrate only slight rolladjustments (3-5 degrees), it should be appreciated that larger degreechanges may be supported for particular terrains.

As shown in FIG. 41 , a first roll actuator 86 may be connected betweenthe first arm 83 of the hub 82 and the frame 81. A second roll actuator86 may be connected between the second arm 84 of the hub 82 and theframe 81. The roll actuators 86 are illustrated as extending verticallyin a parallel orientation with respect to the frame 81.Extension/retraction of the roll actuators 86 adjusts the attitude(roll) of the wall 30, 40. FIG. 43A illustrates the wall 30, 40 beingrolled a first direction by extension of the roll actuator 86 on thefirst arm 83. FIG. 43B illustrates the wall 30, 40 being rolled in asecond direction by extension of the roll actuator 86 on the second arm84.

As shown in FIG. 41 , a first yaw actuator 87 may be connected betweenthe hinge 85 and the first arm 83 of the hub 82 of the arm coupler 80. Asecond yaw actuator 87 may similarly be connected between the hinge 85and the second arm 84 of the hub 82 of the arm coupler 80. The yawactuators 87 may extend in opposite directions as shown in the figures.The yaw actuators 87 may be extended and/or retracted to adjust the yawof the wall 30, 40.

As shown in FIG. 41 , a first pitch actuator 88 extends between the arm21 of the vehicle 20 and the upper end of the hub 82 of the arm coupler80. A second pitch actuator 88 extends between the arm 21 of the vehicle20 and the lower end of the hub 82 of the arm coupler 80. The pitchactuators 88 may be extended and/or retracted to adjust the pitch of thewall 30, 40.

As shown in FIGS. 13, 15, and 21 , the vehicle 20 may include a firstsupport 28 extending from a first side of the vehicle 20 and a secondsupport 29 extending from a second side of the vehicle 20. Each of thesupports 28, 29 may comprise various configurations, such as anelongated member such as a rod as shown in the figures. The supports 28,29 provide additional bracing for the wall 30, 40 when it is being heldin position by the vehicle 20.

The supports 28, 29 are preferably movably connected to the vehicle 20such that the supports 28, 29 may be raised into a storage/transportposition or lowered into an engaged position to engage with the wall 30,40. In the figures, the supports 28, 29 are illustrated as rotatingbetween a vertical position and a horizontal position. Thus, thesupports 28, 29 may be hingedly connected to the vehicle 20 by hinges asshown in the figures. Actuators may be provided to adjust the positionsof the supports 28, 29. The location where the supports 28, 29 areconnected to the vehicle 20 may vary in different embodiments and shouldnot be construed as limited by the figures.

The supports 28, 29 may interconnect with the wall 30, 40 or mayfrictionally engage with the wall 30, 40. In the figures, the supports28, 29 are illustrated as engaging with ribs 69 on the lower end 34, 44of the outer surface 35, 45 of the relevant wall 30, 40. The supports28, 29 may interconnect with any location on the wall 30, 40 indifferent embodiments.

The supports 28, 29 may be parallel with each other as shown in thefigures. The supports 28, 29 may be individually controlled in someembodiments, or controlled together in other embodiments. When engagedwith the wall 30, 40, the supports 28, 29 provide additional stabilityfor the lower end 34, 44 of the wall 30, 40 to keep the wall 30, 40 inits desired orientation and location during curing.

As shown in FIG. 26 , multiple sets of walls, each comprising a firstwall 30 and an opposing second wall 40, may be daisy-chained together.The number of walls 30, 40 so interconnected may vary in differentembodiments and for different types of resulting structures 16. Forexample, if a longer structure 16 is desired, additional walls 30, 40may be daisy-chained onto the end to increase the effective length ofthe cavity 62 in which the concrete 12 is cured.

To effectuate interconnection of walls 30, 40, connectors 38, 48 andreceivers 48, 49 may be utilized. The first wall 30 may include a firstconnector 38 on its first end 31 and a first receiver 39 on its secondend 32. The second wall 40 may similarly include a second connector 48on its first end 41 and a second receiver 49 on its second end 42.

Each connector 38, 48 is adapted to removably engage with acorresponding receiver 39, 49 on an adjacent wall such as shown in FIGS.16-17 . The connectors 38, 48 may each comprise pins while the receivers39, 49 may each comprise openings into which the connectors 38, 48 areinserted to interconnect adjacent walls 30, 40.

FIG. 19 illustrates four first walls 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d which areinterconnected to each other to form a unitary structure. Opposing thefour first walls 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d are four second walls 40 a, 40b, 40 c, 40 d which are similarly interconnected to each other to form aunitary structure. Thus, the cavity 62 extends between all of theinterconnected walls 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d, 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d. Asis readily apparent, this allows the length of the cavity 62 to beincreased. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 , a first sidewall 50 hasbeen connected between the first set of walls (first wall 30 a andsecond wall 40 a). A second sidewall 55 has been connected between thefourth set of walls (first wall 30 d and second wall 40 d).

As shown throughout the figures, the walls 30, 40 may include or definean opening 60 through which the concrete 12 is poured into the cavity62. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the opening 60 isdefined by the upper ends 33, 43, 51, 56 of the first wall 30, secondwall 40, first sidewall 50, and second sidewall 50. The opening 60 couldbe in other locations, such as lower on the wall 30, 40 such that ahose, conduit, or other type of feeder may be connected to feed theliquid concrete 12 into the cavity 62.

As shown in FIG. 26 , rebar 66 may be positioned between the walls 30,40 in the cavity 62 prior to pouring the liquid concrete 12. Rebar 66may be lowered into the cavity 62 through the opening 60 in someembodiments. In other embodiments, the rebar 66 may be placed againstthe first wall 30 before the second wall 40 is moved into place opposingthe first wall 30, such as shown in FIG. 21 .

D. Operation of Preferred Embodiment

In use, the vehicles 20 significantly decrease the time and effortrequired for formation of a structure 16 such as a wall. FIG. 27illustrates a concrete form comprised of a first wall 30, a second wall40, a first sidewall 50, and a second sidewall 55 being utilized tobuild a second structure segment 15 next to a first structure segment14; with a gap 18 therebetween which may be filled in to complete thestructure 16. As discussed herein, it may be beneficial to staggerstructure segments 14, 15 to more efficiently build the structure withthe vehicles 20 and walls 30, 40, 50, 55 available.

As shown in FIGS. 27 , a pair of vehicles 20 a, 20 b is being utilizedto support a concrete form in an upright position. The first wall 30 isconnected to and supported by a first vehicle 20 a. The second wall 40is connected to and supported by a second vehicle 20 b. The first wall30 may be adjusted by the first arm 21 a and the second wall 40 may beadjusted by the second arm 21 b.

The arm 21 a of the first vehicle 20 a is interconnected with the firstwall 30 via the arm coupler 22 a engaging with the first coupler 37 ofthe first wall 30. The arm 21 b of the second vehicle 20 b isinterconnected with the second wall 40 via the arm coupler 22 b engagingwith the second coupler 47 of the second wall 40. Adjustment of the arms21 a, 21 b may be utilized to reorient or reposition the walls 30, 40.Additionally, movement of the vehicles 20 a, 20 b themselves may also beutilized to reposition the walls 30, 40.

In the view shown in FIG. 27 , the arms 21 of the vehicles 20 a, 20 bhave been adjusted to orient the first and second walls 30, 40 in anupright, vertical position on a foundation 11 formed in a ground surface17. The vehicles 20 a, 20 b have been positioned a distance away from afirst structure segment 14; with a gap 18 between the first structuresegment 14 and the location of the walls 30, 40. This type of staggeringof walls may aid in efficiency and positioning of vehicles 20 a, 20 b.

While the figures may illustrate a foundation 11 being formed in theground surface 17 before the forming process, it should be appreciatedthat a foundation 11 may be omitted in some embodiments. Once the walls30, 40, 50, 55 are in position, rebar 66 may be lowered into the cavity62 defined between the first wall 30, second wall 40, first sidewall 50,and second sidewall 55. In some embodiments, rebar 66 may be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 29 , with the rebar 66 in place, liquid concrete 12 ispoured into the cavity 62 via the opening 60 at the upper ends 31, 41,51, 56 of the walls 30, 40, 50, 55. The liquid concrete 12 fills thecavity 62; starting with the lower ends 34, 44, 52, 57 of the walls 30,40, 50, 55. As the concrete 12 fills the cavity 62, the walls 30, 40,50, 55 are retained in place by the vehicles 20 a, 20 b.

The cavity 62 may in some embodiments not be completely filled withconcrete 12. In some embodiments, the cavity 62 will be completed filledwith concrete 12. In either case, once the desired volume of liquidconcrete 12 is poured or otherwise introduced into the cavity 62, suchas by a concrete dispenser such as a boom or the like, the walls 30, 40,50, 55 are retained in place as the liquid concrete 12 cures andsolidifies.

After the concrete 12 has cured into a solid mass such as shown in FIG.30 , the walls 30, 40, 50, 55 may be removed from around the resultingstructure 16. The walls 30, 40, 50, 55 may be removed in any number ofmanners. In one embodiment, the first sidewall 50 is disconnected fromthe first ends 31, 41 of the first and second walls 30, 40. The secondsidewall 55 is disconnected from the second ends 32, 42 of the first andsecond walls 30, 40. The first vehicle 20 a may then move to anotherlocation with the first wall 30 while the second vehicle 20 b moves toanother location with the second wall 40. When at the other location,the vehicles 20 a, 20 b may be put into place, the sidewalls 50, 55reattached, and the process repeated. In another embodiment, the arms 21a, 21 b of the vehicles 20 a, 20 b may be lifted together to pull thewalls 30, 40, 50, 55 off of the structure 16.

FIG. 26 illustrates the use of four sets of first and second walls 30,40 to create an elongated cavity 62 which extends through all sets ofwalls 30, 40. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 26 , each set of wallscomprises a first wall 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d and an opposing secondwall 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d. A first vehicle 20 a retains a first wall30 d and a second vehicle 20 h retains the second wall 40 a. A thirdvehicle 20 b retains the first wall 30 c and a fourth vehicle 20 gretains the second wall 40 b. A fifth vehicle 20 c retains the firstwall 30 b and a sixth vehicle 20 f retains the second wall 40 c. Aseventh vehicle 20 d retains the first wall 30 a and an eighth vehicle20 e the second wall 40 d. Arms 21 a, 21 b, 21 c, 21 d, 21 e, 21 f, 21g, 21 h are interconnected to the walls 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d, 40 a, 40b, 40 c, 40 d via arm couplers 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22 d, 22 e, 22 f, 22 g,22 h.

The manner or order in which the walls 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d, 40 a, 40b, 40 c, 40 d are put into place may vary. In some embodiments, each setof walls 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d, 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d is put intoplace in turn; with the first set of walls 30 a, 40 d being put intoplace by the vehicles 20 d, 20 e. The second set of walls 30 b, 40 c arethen put into place by the vehicles 20 c, 20 f; with the first wall 30 bbeing connected to the first wall 30 a and the second wall 40 d beingconnected to the second wall 40 c. The third set of walls 30 c, 40 b arethen put into place by the vehicles 20 b, 20 g; with the first wall 30 cbeing connected to the first wall 30 b and the second wall 40 b beingconnected to the second wall 40 c. The fourth set of walls 30 d, 40 aare then put into place by the vehicles 20 d, 20 h; with the first wall30 d being connected to the first wall 30 c and the second wall 40 abeing connected to the second wall 40 b.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19 , a first sidewall 50 has beenconnected to the first ends 31, 41 of the first and second walls 30 a,40 a. A second sidewall 55 has been connected to the second ends 32, 42of the first and second walls 30 d, 40 d. Thus, the cavity 62 extendsfrom the first set of walls to the fourth set of walls; with thesidewalls 50, 55 enclosing the cavity 62. Liquid concrete 12 may then bepoured through the opening 60 of the cavity 62 to fill the cavity 62.The concrete 12 allowed to solidify and cure, after which the walls 30a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d, 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d may be removed and thenrepositioned to repeat the process again. FIG. 26 illustrates the sameconfiguration, but without the sidewalls 50, 55 and with rebar 66positioned in the cavity 62. Such a configuration may be utilized tocast a set of walls between two existing structure segments 14, 15.

FIGS. 32-38 illustrate multiple sets of vehicles 20 being utilized tocomplete different structure segments 14, 15 in a staggeredconfiguration to complete a structure 16. As shown, sets of vehicles 20and walls 30, 40 are utilized to form discrete structure segments 14, 15which are separated by gaps 18. The same vehicles 20 may then beutilized to fill the gaps 18 to complete the structure 16 whileadditional vehicles 20 are utilized to create additional structuresegments 14, 15 separated by gaps 18 that themselves will be filled inin a staggered fashion.

Such a staggered method of completed the structure 16 allows multiplecrews to work simultaneously. While one set of vehicles 20 is at a firstlocation while concrete 12 is cured to form a first structure segment14, additional sets of vehicles 20 may be in transit or in anotherlocation to form a second structure segment 15. The gaps 18 ensure thatvehicles 20 do not get in each other's way. Additionally, gaps 18 may beutilized to account for elevation changes; with the first and secondstructure segments 14, 15 straddling an elevation change.

FIGS. 27-31 illustrate such a method of forming a structure 16. As shownin FIG. 27 , a first structure segment 14 has already been constructed.A pair of vehicles 20 a, 20 b are supporting walls 30, 40 having anopening 60 fluidly connected to a cavity 62. It can be seen that rebar66 has been positioned in the cavity 62. Liquid concrete 12 may bepoured into the cavity 62 via the opening 60; with the concrete 12filling the cavity 62 around the rebar 66. The concrete 12 may beallowed to cure, and the walls 30, 40, 50, 55 removed by the vehicles 20a, 20 b.

FIG. 28 illustrates the first structure segment 14 and the secondstructure segment 15 having been constructed with a gap 18 between thesegments 14, 15. As shown in FIG. 29 , two sets of walls 30 a, 30 b, 40a, 40 b have been positioned in the gap 18 and are being retained byfour vehicles 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d. A first vehicle 20 a supports thefirst wall 30 a, a second vehicle 20 b supports the second wall 40 a, athird vehicle 20 c supports the first wall 30 b, and a fourth vehicle 20d supports the second wall 40 b.

Continuing to reference FIG. 29 , the first wall 30 a is connected tothe first wall 30 b; with both first walls 30 a, 30 b being positionedbetween the structure segments 14, 15 in the gap 18. The second wall 40a is connected to the second wall 40 b; with both second walls 40 a, 40b being positioned between the structure segments 14, 15 in the gap 18.The first wall 30 a is spaced-apart and opposite the second wall 40 a.The first wall 30 b is spaced-apart and opposite the second wall 40 b.The first wall 30 a is not connected to the second wall 40 a. The firstwall 30 b is not connected to the second wall 40 b. Such a configurationis possible without the use of ties or other connections betweenopposing walls 30 a, 30 b, 40 a, 40 b because the vehicles 20 a, 20 b,20 c, 20 d retain the walls 30 a, 30 b, 40 a, 40 b in place.

As can be seen in FIG. 29 , the cavity 62 extends across both sets ofwalls 30 a, 30 b, 40 a, 40 b. Liquid concrete 12 is poured through theopening 60 into the cavity 62, such as by a concrete dispenser 13 suchas a boom. The concrete 12 fills the cavity 62 and surrounds the rebar66 as shown in FIG. 30 . The liquid concrete is allowed to solidify formthe structure 16 as shown in FIG. 30 . The vehicles 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20d are then removed. FIG. 31 illustrates the completed structure 16.

FIGS. 32-38 illustrate a method by which multiple crews 70, 72, 74, 76may work efficiently together to complete an elongated structure 16 suchas a concrete wall. Each crew 70, 72, 74, 76 includes four vehicles 20comprised of excavators. The first crew 70 has four arms 21 eachsupporting a first wall 30. The second crew 72 has four arms 21 eachsupporting a second wall 40; with the first walls 30 and the secondwalls 40 of the first crew 70 and the second crew 72 forming a first setof walls.

The third crew 74 similarly has four arms 21 each supporting a firstwall 30. The fourth crew 76 has four arms 21 each supporting a secondwall 40; with the first walls 30 and the second walls 40 of the thirdcrew 74 and the fourth crew 76 forming a second set of walls adapted toform a second cavity 62 for receiving liquid concrete 12 to be cured.

As shown in FIG. 32 , three completed segments 19 a, 19 b, 19 c havebeen previously completed by the crews 70, 72, 74, 76, with gaps 18between each of the segments 19 a, 19 b, 19 c. The first and secondcrews 70, 72 in FIG. 32 are in position between the first completedsegment 19 a and the second completed segment 19 b curing pouredconcrete 12 to form a fourth completed segment 19 d. The third andfourth crews 74, 76 in in FIG. 32 are in position forming a fifthcompleted segment 19 e, with concrete 12 being poured from a concretedispenser 13. A gap 18 is present between the third completed segment 19c and the fourth completed segment 19 d that is being formed by thethird and fourth crews 74, 76.

In FIG. 33 , it can be seen that the first and second crews 70, 72 havecompleted the fourth completed segment 19 d. The second crew 72 hasmoved to the gap 18 between the second completed segment 19 b and thethird completed segment 19 c. Rebar 66 is in place to be positioned nextto the walls 30 of the second crew 72. In FIGS. 33-36 , it is shown how,after the rebar 66 is set, each vehicle 20 of the first crew 70 movesover to oppose the second crew 72.

As the second crew 72 is in motion, the fifth completed segment 19 e hasbeen curing such as shown in FIG. 36 . FIG. 37 illustrates that thefifth completed segment 19 e has been finished. Both the first andsecond crews 70, 72 are in position and receiving concrete 12 to curefrom a concrete dispenser 13. The fourth crew 76 is positioned adistance away from fifth completed segment 19 e such that a gap 18 ispresent between the fifth completed segment 19 e and the location of thefourth crew 76. Rebar 66 has been put in place. In FIG. 38 , it can seethat the concrete 12 between the first and second crews 70, 72 has set.These crews 70, 72 are now ready to move to the next gap 18. Concrete 12is being poured between the third and fourth crews 74, 76. That concrete12 will set while the first and second crews 70, 72 are in motion to thenext gap 18.

As seen in the above figures and description, utilizing multiple crews70, 72, 74, 76 which stagger completed segments 19 with gaps 18 maysignificantly improve efficiency. The crews 70, 72, 74, 76 are able toavoid each other due to the use of the gaps 18; which will prevent twosets of crews 70, 72, 74, 76 from ever being in close proximity to eachother, which can be difficult due to the size of the vehicles 20.Additionally, if obstructions or changes in elevation are present, gaps18 can be used to complete work on other locations along the path of thestructure 16.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materialssimilar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of the concrete forming system, suitable methods andmaterials are described above. All publications, patent applications,patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated byreference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law andregulations. The concrete forming system may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributesthereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment beconsidered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Anyheadings utilized within the description are for convenience only andhave no legal or limiting effect.

What is claimed is:
 1. A concrete forming system, comprising: a firstwall; a second wall; a cavity defined between the first wall and thesecond wall, wherein the cavity is adapted to receive a volume ofconcrete; and a first vehicle adapted to traverse a ground surface,wherein the first vehicle includes: a first arm extending from the firstvehicle, wherein the first arm retains the first wall in a desiredposition with respect to the second wall during formation of theconcrete; a first arm coupler connected between the first arm and thefirst wall; a plurality of first wheels or a plurality of first tracksconnected to a first motor; and a first actuator connected between thefirst arm and the first arm coupler, wherein the first actuator isadapted to adjust the first wall with respect to the first arm, whereinthe first actuator is adapted to adjust an attitude of the first wallwith respect to the first arm, and wherein the first actuator is adaptedto adjust a pitch of the first wall with respect to the first arm; and asecond actuator connected between the first arm and the first armcoupler, wherein the second actuator is adapted to adjust a yaw of thefirst wall with respect to the first arm.
 2. The concrete forming systemof claim 1, including a third actuator connected to the first armcoupler, wherein the third actuator is adapted to adjust a roll of thefirst wall with respect to the first arm.
 3. The concrete forming systemof claim 1, including a support movably connected to the first vehicle,wherein the support is removably connected to the first wall.
 4. Theconcrete forming system of claim 1, including a second vehicle adaptedto traverse the ground surface, wherein the second vehicle includes: asecond arm extending from the second vehicle, wherein the second armretains the second wall in a desired position with respect to the firstwall; a second arm coupler connected between the second arm and thesecond wall; a plurality of second wheels or a plurality of secondtracks connected to a second motor; and a second actuator connectedbetween the second arm and the second arm coupler, wherein the secondactuator is adapted to adjust the second wall with respect to the secondarm.
 5. The concrete forming system of claim 1, wherein the first wallincludes a first coupler connected to the first arm coupler.
 6. Theconcrete forming system of claim 1, including a first sidewall connectedbetween the first wall and the second wall.
 7. The concrete formingsystem of claim 6, including a second sidewall connected between thefirst wall and the second wall opposite of the first sidewall.
 8. Amethod of using the concrete forming system of claim 1, comprising thesteps of: moving the first wall with the first vehicle from a previouslocation to a first location, wherein the first location is distallyspaced with respect to the previous location; positioning the first wallwith the first vehicle such that a lower end of the first wall isretained in the first location; moving the second wall with a secondvehicle from the previous location to a second location, wherein thesecond location is distally spaced with respect to the previous locationand the first location; positioning the second wall with the secondvehicle such that a lower end of the second wall is retained in thesecond location, distally spaced with respect to the first wall; andfilling the cavity between the first wall and the second wall with thevolume of concrete.
 9. The concrete forming system of claim 4, whereinthe second arm retains the second wall in a desired position withrespect to the first wall during formation of the concrete.
 10. Aconcrete forming system, comprising: a first wall; a second wall;wherein the first wall is positioned in an opposed spaced-apartrelationship with respect to the second wall; a first cavity definedbetween the first wall and the second wall, wherein the first cavity isadapted to receive a volume of concrete; a third wall, wherein the firstwall is not connected to the third wall; a fourth wall, and wherein thesecond wall is not connected to the fourth wall; wherein the third wallis positioned in an opposed spaced-apart relationship with respect tothe fourth wall; a second cavity defined between the third wall and thefourth wall, wherein the second cavity is adapted to receive a volume ofconcrete; a first vehicle adapted to traverse a ground surface, whereinthe first vehicle includes: a first arm extending from the firstvehicle, wherein the first arm retains the first wall in a desiredposition with respect to the second wall during formation of theconcrete; and a plurality of first wheels or a plurality of first tracksconnected to a first motor; and a second vehicle adapted to traverse theground surface, wherein the second vehicle includes: a second armextending from the second vehicle, wherein the second arm retains thesecond wall in a desired position with respect to the first wall; and aplurality of second wheels or a plurality of second tracks connected toa second motor; a third vehicle adapted to traverse a ground surface,wherein the third vehicle includes: a third arm extending from the thirdvehicle, wherein the third arm retains the third wall in a desiredposition with respect to the fourth wall; and a plurality of thirdwheels or a plurality of third tracks connected to a third motor; and afourth vehicle adapted to traverse the ground surface, wherein thefourth vehicle includes: a fourth arm extending from the fourth vehicle,wherein the fourth arm retains the fourth wall in a desired positionwith respect to the third wall; and a plurality of fourth wheels or aplurality of fourth tracks connected to a fourth motor.
 11. The concreteforming system of claim 10, including a first sidewall connected betweenthe first wall and the second wall.
 12. The concrete forming system ofclaim 11, including a second sidewall connected between the first walland the second wall opposite of the first sidewall.
 13. The concreteforming system of claim 10, wherein the first wall is removablyconnected to the third wall.
 14. The concrete forming system of claim13, wherein the second wall is removably connected to the fourth wall.15. The concrete forming system of claim 10, wherein the first cavity isfluidly connected to the second cavity.
 16. A method of using theconcrete forming system of claim 10, comprising the steps of: moving thefirst wall with the first vehicle from a previous location to a firstlocation, wherein the first location is distally spaced with respect tothe previous location; positioning the first wall with the first vehiclesuch that a lower end of the first wall is retained in the firstlocation; moving the second wall with the second vehicle from theprevious location to a second location, wherein the second location isdistally spaced with respect to the previous location and the firstlocation; positioning the second wall with the second vehicle such thata lower end of the second wall is retained in the second location,distally spaced with respect to the first wall; filling the first cavitybetween the first wall and the second wall with the volume of concrete.17. The concrete forming system of claim 10, wherein the second armretains the second wall in a desired position with respect to the firstwall during formation of the concrete.
 18. The concrete forming systemof claim 10, wherein the third arm retains the third wall in a desiredposition with respect to the fourth wall during formation of theconcrete and wherein the fourth arm retains the fourth wall in a desiredposition with respect to the third wall.
 19. A method of forming aconcrete structure, comprising the steps of: moving a first wall with afirst vehicle from a previous location to a first location, wherein thefirst location is distally spaced with respect to the previous location;positioning the first wall with the first vehicle such that the firstwall is retained in the first location; moving a second wall with asecond vehicle from the previous location to a second location, whereinthe second location is distally spaced with respect to the previouslocation and the first location; and positioning the second wall withthe second vehicle such that the second wall is retained in the secondlocation, distally spaced with respect to the first wall so as to definea cavity between the first wall and the second wall, wherein the cavityis adapted to receive a volume of concrete, and wherein the first wallis retained in the first location by the first vehicle during formationof the concrete structure.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the stepof positioning the second wall includes positioning the second wallparallel to the first wall.
 21. The method of forming a concretestructure of claim 19, wherein the second wall is retained in the secondlocation by the second vehicle during formation of the concretestructure.